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BORN
1936
DIED
2023
Royal Marshall Obituary
Jim grew up on a farm in Chili, N.Y. He operated farm equipment from an early age, cared for many animals and became a lifelong gardener. Jim was a master plasterer, a proficient craftsman, and a true artisan. He gave new life to historic buildings and plastered hundreds of homes and buildings throughout the region. His work was featured in This Old House, the New London Day and Fine Homebuilding magazine. He was very proud of his work on the Mystic Seaport lighthouse and on many other historic structures.
Jim had a photographic memory, a great sense of humor, an unparalleled work ethic and was a great storyteller. He enjoyed fishing, berry picking, old tractors and wooden boats. He was especially proud of his great-grandfather John Talcott Wells, inventor of an ingenious barn truss and builder of the historic Wells Barns in the Rochester area.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and by his beloved wife, Ellen Coogan. Jim is survived by his sister Constance (Milton) Lounsbury; six children: Robert (Georgia Ehlers), Daniel (Diana), Patrick, Kathleen, John and Elizabeth; seven grandchildren: Laura, Hannah, Sean (Leanne), Kyle, Colleen, Olivia and Owen; great-grandchild Aubrey; and many beloved cousins, nieces, other relatives and friends.
He was a kind, wonderful father and will be dearly missed. "It's too quiet without you, Dad."
A Celebration of Life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 3, at the Denison Homestead, 137 Pequotsepos Road in Mystic. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the documentary film project on the Wells Barns (https://www.wellsbarnhistory.com/documentary/), the Denison Homestead (for the Oliver Denison House), or the Giving Garden on Coogan Farm.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Royal Marshall
Frank Hoagland
February 23, 2023
John & family,
So sorry for your loss. My family extends heartfelt condolences.
Frank Hoagland
Walter Sheldon Jr.
February 22, 2023
To The Marshall Family
Please accept our condolences on your loss. Jim and his young son John, at the time plastered our house in the late 70´s. Since that, he and John came back to do some re-plastering for our modifications. Just in the last year, John accomplished some more work. The journey man, Jim, and the apprentice, John, are both extraordinary men, dedicated to their professions and their lot in life. It was a pleasure knowing Jim. His smile and demeanor will remain with us forever.
Nancy Thoms Block
February 21, 2023
I didn't know Jim, but we shared great-great grandparents. My Dad, Dr. William Wells Thoms, the son of Dr. Marion Wells Thoms, was born at the family homestead in Garbutt in 1904. He became a missionary doctor, but we visited the home years ago and more recently, and of course know about and have visited the famous barns. Good to read such good things about my cousin! My condolences to his lovely family.
Norton Wheeler
February 20, 2023
Condolences from Norton Wheeler and family.
May he rest in peace.
Mike Bell
February 20, 2023
The best tradesman I've ever met and a great guy
Louis Consolini
February 20, 2023
He was a great guy. Good story teller and a great tradesman.
Terrence McKenna
February 19, 2023
To the family and friends of Jim,
Jim was the best, we had many good times together with his brother-in law Ed Coogan.
There will never be another crafts man as good as Jim.
God bless,
Terry McKenna
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